Radio repeater system

ABSTRACT

A system and/or method for facilitating wireless communication in an area where it is difficult to transmit and receive signals may use a preexisting wired emergency communication infrastructure to transmit signals between elements of a radio repeater system. Optionally, the system may include synchronization of retransmissions. Analogue and/or digital signals and/or data may optionally be transferred over the preexisting network. Data and/or signals may optionally include audio and/or video signals, digital data, telemetry data, and/or synchronization data. The system may optionally include multiple wireless receivers and/or a voter to select a version of a signal from at least one of the receivers. A network for concurrent repeating of a direct mode simplex wireless signal may optionally include multiple receivers and/or a voter. The simplex network may optionally include a coloring circuit. The power of retransmission and/or the insulation between a receiver and a transmitter may optionally be adjusted.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/551,109 filed on Nov. 24, 2014, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/872,271 filed on Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,923,755, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e)of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/639,926 filed on Apr. 29,2012. The contents of the above applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a systemand/or method for providing wireless coverage in an area where it isdifficult to transmit and receive signals, more particularly, but notexclusively, to a radio repeater system having multiple receivers and avoting mechanism for recognizing multiple versions of a signal andselecting a single version for retransmitting; an aspect of someembodiments of the invention relates to the use of an existing wiredemergency communication infrastructure to transmit signals betweencomponents of the system and/or the concurrent repeating of a simplexwireless signal.

U.S. Publication No. 2010-0197222 to Scheucher discloses an In-BuildingCommunications system, which permits communication in tunnels,underground parking garages, tall buildings such as skyscrapers,buildings having thick walls of concrete or metal, and/or any buildingwhich has communication dead zones due to electromagnetic shielding. Theinvention includes a portable bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system, anoutdoor antenna system attached to the building or independentlymountable an indoor antenna system attached to the building orindependently mountable inside the building, and a standardized,In-Building Communications (IBC) interface box affixed preferably to theexterior of the building. The interface box communicates with antennasystems attached to the building. The fire department or other emergencyresponse personnel carry portable outdoor and indoor antenna systems anda portable, lithium-ion battery powered, bi-directional amplifier (BDA)system which may be connected to the building during an event such as afire, earthquake, or an act of terrorism or whenever radio coverageenhancement is required. The portable BDA system is simply connected tothe standardized, IBC interface box and powered thus restoringcommunications within.

U.S. Publication No. 2010-0068992 to Masoian discloses an emergencycommunications device containing dispatch consoles for use by user thatcontain multiple repeaters and multiple communication networks. Themultiple repeaters and multiple communication networks are used forredundancy purposes, in case the repeater or communication network inuse becomes disabled for any reason. The device also contains a recorderunit capable of provided instant playback to emergency dispatchpersonnel independently of whether the unit is recording. The devicedoes not require an external computer to operate.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,126,510 to Samson discloses a system and method forproviding communication between public safety officials. Acommunications network architecture includes a base transceiver stationhub where the base transceiver station hub includes public safetynetwork communications equipment and non-public safety networkcommunications equipment. The architecture also includes a plurality ofdistributed antenna system (DAS) nodes and the base transceiver stationhub is operatively coupled to the plurality of DAS nodes. The methodincludes providing the public safety communication from the basetransceiver station hub to one of a plurality of distributed antennasystem (DAS) nodes by public safety network communications equipmentincluded in the base transceiver station hub.

U.S. Publication No. 2007-0099667 to Graham discloses a distributedantenna system for providing distributed signal coverage within afacility of one or more wireless networks transmitting one or more RFsignals. The distributed antenna system comprises a wireless basestation configured to extend coverage of the one or more wirelessnetworks; a backbone coupled to the base station; a plurality of couplerunits connected to the backbone; a first plurality of antennas, eachconnected to one of the coupler units; a plurality of amplifiers coupledto the backbone; and a second plurality of antennas, each connected toone of the amplifiers. The plurality of amplifiers and the secondplurality of antennas actively distribute the one or more RF signalsduring a powered condition and the first plurality of antennas passivelydistributes the one or more RF signals during a power failure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,020 to Cook discloses a structure including aplurality of repeaters, each having a primary transceiver and asecondary transceiver electromagnetically located upon a clear side anda blocked side, respectively, of a barrier. Each primary transceiver andsecondary transceiver communicates using an intra-repeater signal. Eachintra-repeater signal is output from its respective primary transceiver,combined with other intra-repeater signals by a combiner, passed over acommunication infrastructure, separated from other intra-repeatersignals by a separator, and input to its respective secondarytransceiver. Optionally, each intra-repeater signal may be retrievedfrom the communication infrastructure, separated from otherintra-repeater signals by a separator, amplified by a bandpassamplifier, combined with other intra-repeater signals by a combiner, andinserted back into the communication infrastructure

U.S. Publication No. 2009-0190508 to Kattwinekel discloses a simplexcognitive ‘repeater’ for designating one or more transceivers in acognitive network to perform the repeater function, prescribing one ormore lists of distant transceivers being served by repeaters in adistant network, prescribing a set of routing rules for the repeaters,including rules for routing messages received from distant transceiversand rules for routing messages received from the base station or othertransceivers in the network, and prescribing a set of rules to enabledistant transceivers to participate in the cognitive aspects of thenetwork.

Additional background art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,561, U.S.Publication No. 2011-0051630, U.S. Publication No. 2011-0274145, U.S.Publication No. 2006-0148468, European Patent No. EP0499735, EuropeanPatent No. EP0204813, U.S. Publication No. 2005-0176368, U.S.Publication No. 2009-0149221, U.S. Publication No. 2007-0099667, U.S.Pat. No. 4,972,505, U.S. Publication No. 2006-0250271, and U.S. Pat. No.6,359,714.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a wireless communication system using a preexistingemergency communication infrastructure. The preexisiting emergencycommunication infrastructure may include at least one pair of wires. Theat least one pair of wires may connect a panel to a plurality oflocations. The wireless communication system may include a plurality ofend units. At least two of the plurality of end units may include, awireless receiver, and a communication adaptor connecting the wirelessreceiver to the at least one pair of wires. The system may also include,a controller including a communication interface communicating with theat least two end units over the at least one pair of wires, and a voterfor identifying a plurality of versions of a signal and selecting aversion from the plurality of versions. The system may further include afirst network transmitter for retransmitting the selected version.

According to some embodiments of the invention, each of the at least twoend units may be connected to a separate respective pair of the at leastone pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a redundant connection between at least one of the plurality ofend units and the controller.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the redundant connectionmay include a power grid, a cable communication network, a phone line,an intercom, an existing wireless network, a dedicated wireless networkand/or an ad hoc wireless mesh network.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a power source supplying power over the at least one pair ofwires. At least one of the at least two end units may receive power fromthe at least one pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the at least one endunit receiving power from the at least one pair of wires may furtherinclude a battery for powering the wireless receiver, and a charger forcharging the battery, the charger electrically connected for receivingthe power from the at least one pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the first networktransmitter and at least one of the at least two wireless receivers mayboth communicate with the controller over a single pair of the at leastone pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude another end unit including the first network transmitter, andanother adaptor connecting the first network transmitter to the at leastone pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a second network transmitter synchronizable with the firstnetwork transmitter.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the respective wirelessreceivers of the at least two end units may be designed to receive anemergency band audio signal, a video signal, a Wi-Fi signal, a wirelesslocal area network signal, a trunked mode signal, and/or a Maydaysignal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a building including the at least two end units and thepreexisting infrastructure.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a wireless connection between the first network transmitter andthe controller.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere may be provided a method of emergency wireless communication usinga preexisting emergency communication infrastructure. The preexisitingemergency communication infrastructure may include at least one pair ofwires connecting a panel to a plurality of locations. The method mayinclude receiving a signal with a plurality of wireless receivers andrelaying a respective version of the signal and corresponding telemetrydata from at least one of the plurality of receivers to a controllerover the at least one pair of wires. The method may also includerecognizing by the controller of a plurality of versions of the signal.The plurality of versions may include the respective version. The methodmay also include selecting by the controller of a version from theplurality versions based on the corresponding telemetry data, andretransmitting the selected version over an emergency wireless frequencyband to at least one portable receiver.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude relaying the selected version over the at least one pair ofwires to a transmitter. The transmitter may perform the retransmitting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude relaying the selected version and synchronization data over theat least one pair to at least two transmitters, and wherein theretransmitting includes synchronized transmission by the at least twotransmitters.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude supplying power to at least one of the plurality of receiversover the at least one pair of wires.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the supplying of powermay include charging a battery from the power, and powering the at leastone receiver from the battery.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude identifying at least one transmitter in proximity to a portablereceiver. The retransmitting may be to the portable receiver and theretransmitting may be over the at least one transmitter only.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the retransmitting maypreserve a sender identifier.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude estimating a location of a source of the signal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the selecting may bebased on a received signal strength indicator, a distortion, a receiverlimited voltage, a signal to noise ratio, signal to noise and distortionratio, and/or a signal delay.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere may be provided a method of concurrent repeating of a sourcesignal of direct mode communication on a simplex wireless band employinga repeater network. The repeater network may include a plurality ofnetwork receivers, a voter and a network transmitter. The method mayinclude receiving the source signal on the simplex band with theplurality of network receivers. The method may further includerecognizing by the voter of multiple versions of the source signal andselecting by the voter of one of the multiple versions. The method mayfurther include retransmitting by the network receiver of the selectedversion on the simplex band. The retransmitting may be concurrent to thereceiving.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude determining if the source signal is colored and inhibiting theretransmitting when the source signal is colored. The method may furtherinclude coloring the selected signal before the retransmitting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the coloring may includeadding a sideband signal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude inhibiting the retransmitting in a vicinity of a receiverreceiving the selected version from the plurality of network receivers.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude establishing a retransmitting power such that a reception powerof the repeated signal at the network receiver may be less than a sourcereception power of the source signal at the network receiver and whereinthe retransmitting may be at the retransmitting power.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the retransmitting maybe at a power level less than a power level of the source signal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the retransmitting maybe by a plurality of network transmitters. The method may furtherinclude synchronizing the retransmitting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may furtherinclude insulating the network receiver from the retransmission.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a concurrent simplex repeating system of a sourcesignal from a portable transceiver on a direct mode simplex wirelessband. The system may include a plurality of wireless receivers on thesimplex band and a voter built for identifying a plurality of versionsof the source signal and forwarding a selected version of the pluralityof versions to a first network transmitter. The system may furtherinclude the first network transmitter for retransmitting the forwardedversion on the direct mode simplex band. The retransmitting may beconcurrent to the receiving.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a coloring detector for determining when the source signal iscolored, and wherein the retransmitting is inhibited when the sourcesignal is colored, and a signal coloring circuit for coloring theforwarded signal.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a second network transmitter, synchronizable to the firstnetwork transmitter.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a controller configured for inhibiting the second networktransmitter from retransmitting the forwarded signal when the secondnetwork transmitter is located closer than the first network transmitterto a receiver of the selected version from the plurality of wirelessreceivers.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude a controller configured for establishing a retransmitting powersuch that a reception power of the retransmitted signal at a receiver ofthe selected version from the plurality of wireless receivers is lessthan a power of reception of the source signal at the receiver of theselected version.

According to some embodiments of the invention, a transmission power ofthe first network transmitter may be less than a transmission power ofthe portable transceiver.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the system may furtherinclude insulation producing a signal attenuation of at least 5 Decibelsbetween the first network transmitter and the plurality of wirelessreceivers.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of theinvention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually,automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actualinstrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or systemof the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented byhardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof usingan operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according toembodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or acircuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of theinvention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructionsbeing executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according toexemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein areperformed by a data processor, such as a computing platform forexecuting a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processorincludes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or anon-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard disk and/or removablemedia, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a networkconnection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input devicesuch as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of installing aradio repeater system;

FIG. 1b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method retransmitting asignal;

FIG. 1c is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of employing aradio repeater system;

FIG. 2a is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of employing aradio repeater system showing additional features;

FIG. 2b is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method ofretransmitting a trunked signal;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a radio repeatersystem;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a radio repeatersystem showing additional features;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment ofsynchronized retransmission of a signal;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of charginga battery of an end unit of a radio repeater system;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an end unit;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a communicationhub;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method of simplexrepeating;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of a method ofsimplex repeating showing additional features;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a simplexrepeater network;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a simplexrepeater network with signal coloring; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a simplex radiorepeater system.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a systemand/or method for providing wireless coverage in an area where it isdifficult to transmit and receive signals, more particularly, but notexclusively, to a radio repeater system having multiple receivers and avoting mechanism for recognizing multiple versions of a signal andselecting a single version for retransmitting; an aspect of someembodiments of the invention relates to the use of an existing wiredemergency communication infrastructure to transmit signals betweencomponents of the system and/or the concurrent repeating of a simplexwireless signal.

Overview of Exemplary Embodiments Voting

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to aradio repeating system having a voting mechanism (a voter). The votermay identify multiple versions of a signal. The voter may further selecta single version of the signal for retransmission. In some embodiments,multiple receivers may supply radio coverage to isolated zones. Thecoverage zones of the receivers may overlap. A single signal transmittedfrom the overlap region may sometimes be received by more than onereceiver. Various factors may cause differences between versions of thesignal associated with different receivers. Under some conditions,retransmitting multiple versions of a signal can cause interference.Retransmission of only a single version of the signal may in someinstances reduce interference.

In some embodiments, a voter may be included for example in a networkhub and/or a network controller. In some embodiments, a voter mayinclude hardware and/or software.

In some embodiments, telemetry data may be used to facilitate voting.Optionally, an end unit may send a version of a signal along withassociated telemetry data to the voter.

Use of a Preexisting Wired Emergency Network

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates to theuse a preexisting wired emergency network for communication betweenelements of a radio repeater system. In some jurisdictions, fire codesmay regulate wiring used for emergency communication systems.Installation and/or modification of emergency wiring may requirespecialized personnel and/or inspection. Installation or modification ofwiring may add significantly to the cost of an emergency communicationsystem.

Typically, wiring of the preexisting system will conform to existentfire codes. Optionally, use of a preexisting hard-wired emergency systemmay save on the cost of installing and/or modifying wiring.

In some embodiments of the current invention incoming and/or outgoingsignals, telemetry data, and/or synchronization data may be relayed overthe wires of the preexisting network. Optionally, a single pair of wiresmay be used to send one of more of stream of data.

Concurrent Repeating of Direct Mode Simplex Signals

An aspect of some embodiments of the current invention relates toprevention of interference and/or feedback during concurrent repeatingof a direct mode signal. Typically, emergency personnel may desire tocommunicate using existing communications modes and/or existing portablewireless transceivers. For example, emergency personnel may desire touse simplex direct mode real time communication. In some cases, realtime repeating of signals on a direct mode simplex channel may lead tointerference (for example between the source signal and theretransmitted signal). In some cases, real time repeating of signals ona direct mode simplex channel may lead undesired positive feedback(repeating of the retransmitted signal and/or noise). Real time orconcurrent repeating of a signal may mean retransmitting the signalwhile the source transceiver is still transmitting.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater network, signal coloring may beused to prevent positive feedback of a retransmitted signal. Optionally,the radio repeating system may add coloring to a retransmitted signal.The radio repeating system may, optionally block retransmission ofsignals containing the coloring. For example, the coloring may include acoded side carrier tone.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater network, a power ofretransmitting may be established for avoiding interference. Forexample, the power of retransmission may be established to be less thanthe power of the source signal. Optionally, the retransmission power maybe less than the source signal after accounting for attenuation betweenthe transmitter and the receiver. For example, the retransmission powermay be between on tenth and one hundredth of the source signaltransmission power. Alternatively or additionally, the retransmissionpower may be between a hundredth and a thousandth the power oftransmission of the source signal. Alternatively or additionally, theretransmission power may be established so that the power of theretransmitted signal is less than the power of the of the source signalafter accounting for signal attenuation. For example, the power ofretransmitting may be established so that the power of the attenuatedretransmitted signal received by a receiver is between a tenth and ahundredth of the power of the attenuated source signal received by thereceiver.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater network, insulation between aretransmission antenna and a receiver antenna may be provided to achievea desired attenuation of the retransmission signal. For example, thelocation of the network transmitter may be chosen so that there is anattenuation of 10-80 Db in a signal traveling from the transmitter tothe nearest network receiver.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater network, retransmission of asignal may be hindered in the vicinity of a selected receiver. Forexample, a transmitter in the vicinity of a selected receiver may notretransmit the signal and/or may transmit at a reduced power.

Further Optional Attributes

In some domains interference, obstacles and/or large distances inhibitradio communication between isolated zones. For example, walls, ceilingsand/or other obstacles in buildings, tunnels and mines may produceisolated zones from which radio communication is limited. Emergencyfirst responders (fire, police, and emergency medical) depend onuninterrupted radio communication to organize activities and save lives.Isolated zones may interfere with this communication and cost lives.Laws may require providing uninterrupted radio coverage for firstresponders.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may provide radio coverageto a domain including an isolated zone. Optionally, the radio coveragemay facilitate emergency 2-way communication to, from and/or within theisolated zone in a manner similar to a Distributed Antenna System (DAS).Optionally, a radio repeating system may include a plurality of endunits. Optionally, the end units may include a plurality of wirelessreceivers for receiving a signal transmitted by a portable transceiver.Optionally, the end units may include at least one wireless transmitterfor retransmitting the signal.

Typically, a preexisting network of may include access nodes at variouspoints in the building. Optionally, an end unit of the wireless systemmay be connected to an access node of the preexisting wired network.Optionally, a signal may be relayed between the end unit and anotherelement of the wireless repeater system over a wire of the preexistingnetwork via the access node. For example, the end unit may include awireless receiver. Optionally a signal received by the wireless receivermay be over the preexisting wired network for retransmission in anotherlocation.

Some preexisting networks may include multiple access nodes and acentral panel. For example, the preexisting network may have a starconfiguration, wherein each access node may be connected to the centralpanel by one or more pairs of wires.

Some embodiments of a radio repeater system may include a networkcontroller. Optionally, communication in the network and/or operation ofthe end units may be coordinated by the network controller. Optionallysignals may be relayed between the controller and the end units over thepreexisting wired emergency network. For example, a plurality of endunits may be connected to the preexisting network through access nodes.Optionally, a network controller may be connected to the preexistingnetwork through a central panel of the preexisting network. Optionally,the end units may communicate with the network controller over wires ofthe preexisting network via the access nodes and the panel.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may support communicationbetween existing and/or standard transceivers. For example, a radiorepeater system may support tethered and/or untethered communication.For example, a radio repeater system may support analogue communicationon emergency channels. A radio repeater system may optionally supporttrunked communication. A radio repeater system may optionally supportsimplex and/or duplex communication. A radio repeater system mayoptionally support interoperability, for example, between differentemergency services. A radio repeater system may optionally supportcommunication according to P25 and/or TETRA and/or EADS standards. Aradio repeater system may optionally support multichannel communication.A radio repeater system may optionally support signal coloring. A radiorepeater system may optionally support time domain multiple access(TDMA) and/or code domain multiple access (CDMA) and or frequency domainmultiple access (FDMA). A radio repeater system may optionally support,for example, push to talk (PTT) communication, dispatch PTT, direct(talk around) mode, public grouping, private grouping, private linecommunication, telephone interconnect (TIC), Wi-Fi, and/or wide bandand/or Internet connections. A radio repeater system may optionallyinclude a directional and/or an omni-direction antenna for transmittingand/or receiving wireless signals.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may include a plurality ofwireless transmitters. Optionally, the plurality of transmitters maysimultaneously transmit a selected signal. Optionally, the simultaneousretransmission may be synchronized, (simulcast). Optionally, theselected signal may be sent to a transmitter along with associatedsynchronization data. The signal and/or the synchronization data mayoptionally be relayed to a transmitter via a part of a preexisting wiredemergency communication network. For example, the synchronization dataand/or the signal may be relayed to a transmitter over a single pair ofwires associated with an access node of the preexisting network.

In some embodiments, a single end unit may include both a receiver and atransmitter. Optionally both a receiver and a transmitter may be coupledto a single access node of a preexisting network. For example, incomingand/or outgoing signals and/or telemetry data and/or synchronizationdata and/or other data may be relayed to and from the receiver and/orthe transmitter via a single pair of wires from the preexisting network.

In some embodiments, an end unit may receive power over a portion of apreexisting wired emergency network. For example, an AC and/or DCvoltage potential may be applied across a pair of wires associated withan access node of the existing network. Optionally, an end unit of theradio repeater system may receive power from the access node. In someembodiments, the end unit may include a battery. For example, the powerreceived from the pair of wires may be used to charge the battery.Alternatively or additionally, the end unit and/or a component of theend unit may be directly powered from the pair of wires. Optionally, theend unit may use a single pair of wires for power and/or relayingsignals and/or for digital and/or analogue communication.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may relay analogue and/ordigital signals and/or analogue and/or digital data over a preexistingwired network. Signals may include, for example, audio signals and/orvideo signals and/or identification signals and/or distress signalsand/or location signals. Data may include, for example, telemetry data,synchronization data, trunking data, packet data, identification data,timing data, scheduling data, compression data, and/or error controldata. Optionally, the retransmitted signal may preserve and/or modifyparts of the original signal header and/or footer. For example, theretransmitted signal may include identification information from theoriginal signal. For example, identification information may includeTechnical Public System Key (TPKS) data.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater system, signals may be relayedover an existing network that conforms to historical fire codestandards. For example, the existing network may conform to NFPA 70standards. Alternatively or additionally, the wired systems may includean EVAX emergency evacuation system, for example an EVAX 25 and/or anEVAX 50 available from EVAX systems 20 McDermott Road, Branford, Conn.06405.

In some embodiments, an end unit of a radio repeater system may be fixedand/or portable. In some embodiments, a central hub of a radio repeatersystem may include portable components. In some embodiments, apreexisting network may include a reversible connector, for example aphone jack. Optionally, a portable unit may optionally include areversible connector, for example a plug to plug-into the phone jack ofthe preexisting network.

Exemplary Embodiments

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents and/or methods set forth in the following description and/orillustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention iscapable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out invarious ways.

Installing a Radio Repeater System Over a Preexisting Hard-Wired Network

FIG. 1a is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a methodfor installing a radio repeater system using a preexisting hard-wiredemergency communication network.

In some embodiments, a plurality of end units may be installed 102 in abuilding. An end unit may optionally provide radio coverage to an areawithin the building.

In some cases, a major cost of installing a radio repeater system is theinstallation of a communication backbone for relaying signals betweenelements. In some cases, this expense is increased due to the need toshield the backbone and/or make the backbone fire resistant.

In some cases, use of a preexisting network to interconnect elements ofa radio repeater system may save considerable money. Typically, wiringof the preexisting emergency network may already be shielded and/or fireresistant.

In some embodiments, an end unit may be coupled 104 to an access node ofthe preexisting hard-wired network. For example, an access node of thehard-wired network may include a phone jack connected by a pair ofCopper wires to a central panel. Optionally, the end unit may be coupled104 to the access node through an adapter. Optionally, the end unit maycommunicate over a pair of wires associated with the access node.Optionally, an end unit may be reversibly coupled 104 to the preexistingnetwork (for example, a mobile repeater may be coupled to thepreexisting network by means of a removable phone jack). Alternativelyor additionally, an end unit may be installed permanently (for example arepeater may be mounted to a ceiling. Optionally, wires coupling 104 therepeater to the preexisting network may be sunk into the wall and/orsoldered).

In some embodiments, a network controller may be connected 106 to an endunit via the preexisting communication network. For example, thecontroller may include a communication interface. The communicationinterface may optionally be connected 106 to a panel of the preexistingnetwork. Optionally, the controller may receive signals from and/or sendsignals to one or more of the end units over the network. The controllermay optionally coordinate the functioning of the end units. In someembodiments, the controller may be part of a communication hub.Alternatively or additionally, the communication interface may beconnected 106 through an access node of the preexisting system.Alternatively or additionally, the controller may be connected 106through a wireless connection and/or an optical fiber to thecommunication interface.

Operation of a Radio Repeater System

FIG. 1c is an exemplary flow chart illustrating use of a radio repeatersystem to facilitate emergency communication in a building. When thereis an emergency event (for example a fire or a terrorist attack), arescue team commander optionally activates 116 a command communicationhub (Commander Terminal). The hub may, for example, be in the lobby of abuilding. From that moment, the whole building will optionally becovered 118 in the appropriate RF frequencies. Alternatively oradditionally, the radio repeater system may remain activated also whenthere is not emergency event. A rescue crew may for example continue towork 119 with their standard portable radios on the relevant channels.Optionally communication will be on a conventional duplex repeated modefor example channels 11 and/or 12. Alternatively or additionally, aradio repeater system may be used to facilitate trunked modecommunication and/or direct mode simplex communication (for example, asexplained herein below).

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may simultaneously covermultiple frequency bands. For instance, different emergency services(emergency medical [EMT], homeland security, police, fire etc.) may beinvolved in a single event. Each service may use a different frequencyfor communication. Optionally a radio repeater system may repeat asignal in the same band in which it was transmitted and/or in one ormore other bands. Optionally, a radio repeater system may facilitateinteroperability. For example, the radio repeater system may rebroadcastreceived EMT signals both on the EMT band and also on a fire fighterband.

In some embodiments, the portable signals in the building may berepeated by the radio repeater system. For example, a signal may bereceived 110 by a radio repeater system receiver in the building andrelayed 121 over a preexisting emergency network in the building.Optionally, the signal may be relayed 121 to a controller and/or acommunication hub and/or a transmitter over the preexisting network. Insome embodiments, the signal will be retransmitted 124 by one or moretransmitters to another portable transceiver inside and/or outside thebuilding.

FIG. 1b is a more detailed flow chart of an example of operation of aradio repeater system. In the example, a portable transceiver in anisolated area of a building communicates with elements inside and/oroutside of the isolated area.

For example, in a high-rise building, each floor may be partially ortotally isolated from an adjacent and/or far away floor. A firstresponder may be using a portable transceiver to communicate withanother first responder on the same floor and/or on an adjacent floorand/or on a far away floor. A single floor may include zones that areisolated from each other. Sometimes, a zone on a particular floor thatis isolated from another zone on the same floor will be in radio contactwith a zone on another floor.

Optionally, a signal from the portable transceiver may be received 110by a plurality of end unit receivers located in the vicinity of theportable transceiver. For, example the signal may be received by endunits on the same floor as the portable transceiver and also by endunits on adjacent and/or nearby floors. Optionally, the end units mayrelay 112 respective versions of the signal over the preexistinghard-wired emergency network to a controller. Optionally, the controllermay include a voter. The voter may optionally identify 114 multipleversions of a single signal. The voter may optionally select 122 aversion of the signal. The selected version may optionally beretransmitted 124.

Communicating from a Portable Unit in a Building

FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a method ofcommunicating from within a building over a radio repeater systemincluding a preexisting wired communication network.

In some cases, the preexisting network may have originally beenconfigured to support non-standard location specific communication modesand/or equipment. Typically, first responders would prefer tocommunicate with standard equipment used in other settings. Whenlocation specific equipment is required, faults that develop duringinstallation or storage may be revealed only at the time of anemergency. For example—a device may not be ready for use when needed, anecessary device may not be readily available, and/or the team may notbe properly practiced and/or trained to work with the specializedequipment etc.

Some embodiments of the current invention support standard modes ofcommunication using standard first responder equipment and a preexistingwired network.

In the example of FIG. 2a , a preexisting wired network is configuredfor communication via wired telephone handsets and a first responderprefers to employ a standard issue P25 compliant portable radiotransceiver. Optionally, the transceiver and the radio repeater systememploy truncated duplex (repeated mode) radio communication. In trunkedmode, traffic may be assigned to one or more voice channels, for exampleby a repeater or a base station. Optionally, a controller of a radiorepeater system may assign channels (for example, by CDMA and/or TDMAand/or by FDMA). Alternatively and or additionally, a radio repeatersystem may be part of a larger network and channels may be assigned bythe area dispatcher and/or base station.

Alternatively or additionally as will be described in part in examplesbelow, a radio repeater system and/or a portable transceiver may supportother modes. For example, a P25 compliant transceiver may support adirect simplex “talk around” mode wherein two portable radios maycommunicate without intervening equipment. Optionally, P25 compliantequipment may support a conventional mode wherein two radios communicatethrough a duplex repeater or base station without trunking. Optionally,a radio repeater system and/or a portable transmitter may support one,some or all of the above modes.

In the example of FIG. 2a , a first responder in the building initiates225 a call using a P25 standard portable transceiver on a truncatedchannel. In some cases, a call may be received 210 by multiple receiverend units having overlapping reception zones.

In some embodiments, a retransmitted signal may preserve part and/or allof the header and/or footer and/or identification information of theoriginal signal. For example, a portable transducer of a first respondermay automatically send identification information. For example, theidentification information may be in the form of a TPKS sent uponpushing of a talk key on a PTT transceiver. The identificationinformation may be repeatedly transmitted upon activation of a maydayswitch. Some equipment may include automatic recognition of thesesignals. For example, a dispatcher station may recognize thisinformation and use it for tracking personnel. In some cases, trackingmay be important. For example when a mayday signal is sent, thistracking may save lives. Optionally, a radio repeater system maypreserve these aspects of a signal.

In some embodiments, each receiver may relay 221 the version of thesignal that it receives along the preexisting network to a controller.Optionally, each receiver may also send 230 telemetry data to thecontroller. Telemetry data may include for example signal level,received signal strength indicator (RSSI), distortion, receiver limitedvoltage, signal to noise ratio (SNR), signal to noise and distortion(SINAD) ratio, timing data (for example the signal delay) and/or otherknown information. Optionally, a receiver may use single medium (forexample a single pair of wires) to relay 221 a signal and to send 230telemetry data to a controller. Optionally other data may also be sentover the same medium. For example, different data may be sent onseparate channels (for example different frequency carriers on the samemedium) or in separate packets or by other methodologies.

In some embodiments, when the controller receives data from twodifferent receivers, the controller may identify 214 different versionsof the same signal. Optionally identification 214 of multiple versionsof a signal may be based on one or more tests, for example telemetrydata and/or on timing and/or on identification information sent by theportable transceiver and/or by statistical means.

In some embodiments, the controller will select 222 a single version ofa signal. Selection may be based, for example, on the telemetry data,(for example, the strongest signal and/or the highest signal to noiseratio may be selected and/or an earlier signal may be selected and/orselection may be based on a combination of factors). Optionally, theselected signal will be retransmitted 224.

Retransmitting a Signal

FIG. 2b illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method ofretransmitting 224 a signal. A signal may be retransmitted 224 by asingle network transmitter and/or multiple transmitters. Sometimes asingle transmitter will not provide proper radio to multiple zonesisolated from one another. Optionally, multiple transmitters maysimultaneously retransmit 224 a signal to multiple zones. Simultaneousnon-coherent transmissions may sometimes interfere with one another.Optionally, multiple transmitters may be configured to reduceretransmission interference.

For example, a signal may be directed to a large group 236 a of portablereceivers in located in multiple zones. Examples of signals directed tolarge groups include untrunked communications to all receivers on achannel and/or a public call to all receivers on a channel in a trunkednetwork and/or a call to a large talk group.

In some embodiments, a call to a large group 236 a may be transmittedsimultaneously by multiple transmitters (simulcast retransmission 240a). For example, multiple transmitters may cover a large area and/ormultiple locations separated by barriers that cause signal attenuation.In some embodiments, the coverage areas of different transmitters mayoverlap. Optionally, transmitters having overlapping coverage may besynchronized. Synchronized, coherent retransmission may for exampleinclude matching timing, phase, frequency and/or modulation sensitivityof retransmissions of a plurality of receivers. Alternatively oradditionally, a single transmitter may be used to retransmit a signal toa large group 236 a. For example, there may be a large networktransmitter with enough power to cover an entire building.

In some embodiments, a signal may be directed to a small group 236 b oftransceivers. For example, on a trunked network, a call may be directedto single push to talk (PTT) transceiver or to a small group inside thebuilding. When the location of the target is known 238 a then, in someembodiments, the signal may be transmitted in a portion of the networkonly. For example, local retransmission 240 b may be transmitted by onlya portion of the network covering of the target transceiver. Forexample, the location of the target transceiver may be inferred viavoting as described above. In some instance, local retransmission mayreduce depletion of network resources.

In some embodiments, a more precise estimate may be made of the locationof a portable transceiver, for example by triangulation. Optionally thedistance of a transceiver from various wireless receivers may beestimated based on signal delay, signal strength, signal to noise ratioand/or building specific knowledge of how signals propagate.

In some embodiments, when the location of the target transceiver is notknown 238 b, the signal will be retransmitted 240 a over the whole area.For example, retransmitting 240 a over the whole area may be similar tothe case of a signal for all receivers as described above. Alternativelyor additionally, in some embodiments, signals may be retransmitted overthe entire network regardless of the target.

Some portable transceivers are capable of Telephone Interconnect callsTIC 236 c (simultaneous talking and listening). Such calls generally usemore bandwidth than simple PTT calls (for example, each transceiverconstantly use simultaneously two bands, one to talk and one toreceive). Transmitting a TIC call over a large network may tie up alarge quantity of valuable network resources. Optionally, a TICtransceiver may be tracked by the voting results of its transmissions.When the location of a TIC transceiver is known 238 b, the received bandmay be retransmitted 240 b by a local receiver only. Alternatively oradditionally, some networks may not support local retransmissions and/orthe location of the transceiver may not be known 238 b. In someembodiments, a TIC retransmission 240 a may be over the entire network.

In some cases, a transceiver in the network may make a call 236 d to anoutside network, for example to a telephone and/or a cellular phone. Anexternal call 236 d may be retransmitted 240 c to the outside network.

Exemplary Embodiment of an in Building Radio Repeater System Using anExisting Hard-wired Network

Installing a new hard-wired emergency network and/or modifying thewiring of an existing emergency network may require expensive licensedinstallation and inspection of shielded and/or fire resistantcomponents. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary embodiments 300 and 400of radio repeater systems employing a preexisting wired emergencynetwork with minimal or no modification or addition to the existingwiring.

Many high-rise buildings include a preexisting hard-wired emergencycommunication network. For example, the preexisting hard-wired emergencynetwork may include access nodes (typically phone jacks) spread aroundthe building and connected to a central panel by a star network of pairsof twisted wires. The existing network will typically be fire resistantaccording to building standards in effect at the time that the networkwas installed.

Typically, a controller will be connected to the preexisting network byan interface in place of the panel of preexisting network. Optionally,the controller may communicate with end units located at the accessnodes of the preexisting network via wires of the preexisting network.Optionally, the end units will include wireless transmitters and/orreceivers supporting wireless communication in various areas of thebuilding.

For example, the preexisting wired emergency network of embodiment 300includes three wired access nodes 346 a, 346 b and 346 c. Access nodes346 a-c may include, for example, phone jacks spread around the buildingfor emergency access to rescue personnel. For example, many buildingsinclude an emergency phone jack on each floor. Often the phone jacks arelocated near the elevator shaft. Typically, each access node isconnected to a central panel 350 of the preexisting network by arespective pair of twisted wires 348 a, 348 b and 348 c.

In some embodiments of a radio repeater system, end units will beconnected to some or all of the preexisting wired access nodes. In theexample of FIG. 3, three end units 342 a, 342 b and 342 c are shown. Twoend units 342 a and 342 b include wireless receivers. A third end unit342 c includes a wireless transmitter. Optionally, each end unit 342 a-cincludes a respective adapter 344 a, 344 b, and 344 c for connecting toa respective access node 346 a-c. Optionally, an adapter 344 a-c may beconnected reversible or permanently to the respective access node 346a-c. For example, an adapter may be permanently soldiered to the accessnode and/or the adapter may include a phone plug for reversibleconnection to the access node. Optionally, an adapter may include ananalogue front end (AFE) for converting radio signals into signalstransmittable over twisted pairs of wires 348 a-c. Optionally, some orall adapters 342 a-c may include a power adapter to harvest power fromthe preexisting network and supply power to a respective end unit 342a-c. A more detailed example of an adapter is illustrated in FIG. 7.

In the example of FIG. 3, the electronics of preexisting central panel350 are removed and replaced with an interface 352 connecting a wirelessnetwork controller 354 to pairs of wires 348 a-c. An example of aninterface is illustrated in FIG. 8. Interface 352 connects a networkcontroller 354 through the preexisting wired system to end units 342a-c. Optionally, the network controller may be connected to a userinterface 356. For example, a chief of operations may superviseemergency personnel via user interface 356.

Typically, the network of FIG. 3 may be used by first responders tocommunicate inside a building. For example, a first responder in thebuilding will make a call on his portable transceiver. The signal may,for example, be picked up by the receivers of end units 342 a,b. Eachreceiver may optionally transfer a respective version of the signal overadapters 344 a,b. In the example, the two versions of the signals may betransferred through access nodes 346 a,b to pairs of wires 348 a,b. Thetwo versions of the signal may for example continue to travel over wires348 a,b to panel 350 and through interface 352 to network controller354. Network controller 354 optionally selects (voting) a single versionof the signal. The selected versions may optionally be relayed acrosswires 348 c to the transmitter of end unit 342 c. The transmitter mayoptionally transmit the signal to other portable wireless transceiverslocated in the building.

In some embodiments, a chief of operations may also receive and sendssignals via user interface 356. Optionally, user interface 356 mayinclude a control panel and/or a wired and/or wireless connection to aremote dispatcher station. Optionally, interface 352 may also connect apower source, for example an emergency generator, a municipal powersupply and/or a battery to the preexisting network. The power supply mayfor example supply power to end units 342 a-c.

FIG. 4 is schematic illustration of another exemplary embodiment 400 ofa radio repeater system using a preexisting hard-wired emergencycommunications network. Embodiment 400 is similar to embodiment 300 withsome additional features. Among the additional features, embodiment 400includes an end unit 342 d including both a network receiver and networktransmitter, a network transmitter 461 that is part of the radiorepeater system but is not connected via the preexisting network, anetwork receiver 460 that is part of the radio repeater system but isnot connected via the preexisting network, a connection to an externalnetwork 464, an access node 346 h of the preexisting wired network notin use by the radio repeater system and a plurality of end units 342 eand 342 f connected to a single pair of wires 348 e via multiple accessnodes 346 e and 346 f.

Exemplary embodiment 400 includes an eights story building 466 having apreexisting hard-wired emergency communication network. In the example,the preexisting wired network includes five access nodes 346 d-hconnected to four pairs of twisted wires 348 d,e,g,h. The panel of theexisting network has been replaced by an optional central hub 458 of theradio repeater system. Optionally central hub 458 includes a userinterface, a controller, a voter and adapters for communicating overwire pairs 348 d,e,g,h.

In exemplary embodiment 400, the radio repeater system includes four endunits 342 d-g each end unit includes an optional adapter for connectionto a respective pair of wires. For example, end unit 342 d includes awireless network repeater (transceiver), end units 342 e,g include awireless network receivers, end unit 342 f includes a wireless networktransmitter. Hub 458 is additionally connected via a wireless connectionto a wireless network receiver 460 and transmitter 461. Wirelessreceiver 460 is located inside building 466. Wireless transmitter 461 islocated outside building 466.

In some embodiments, a single end unit may have more than one connectionto the central hub. Optionally, multiple connections may supply backupredundancy. Redundancy may preserve the network when a single componentfails. For example, an end unit may be capable of using a backupwireless connection when the wired connection is damaged (for example bya fire). For example, an end unit may be connected to the hub via a wideband unshielded optical cable and also have a redundant emergencyconnection via a shielded pair of wires and/or an electrical grid and/ora wireless connection.

Two portable transceivers 462 a and 462 b are shown using the network.The radio repeater system of embodiment 400 is also optionally capableof delivering Wi-Fi connections for wireless devices. In exemplaryembodiment 400, a portable computer 468 and a helmet mounted wirelessvideo camera 470 communicate via the radio repeater system. Optionally,the location of camera 470 may be estimated based on voting of the videosignal and/or voting of audio signals from the helmet's owner and/or bytriangulation. Optionally, addition sensors (for example smokedetectors, heat detectors, radiation detectors) may be placed around thebuilding and/or carried by emergency personnel; the sensors mayoptionally send data to appropriate personnel over the radio repeaternetwork. Optionally, sensor data may be transmitted over the radiorepeater system. For example, sensor data may include the status ofemergency personnel in the building, for example heart rate, amount ofoxygen remaining etc.

In some embodiments, digital and/or analogue data may be transferredalong a single pair of wires. For example, wire pair 348 d may carryaudio signals (analogue or digital) from portable transceiver 462 a.They may carry telemetry data and/or digital video from camera 470and/or data to and from computer 468 and/or synchronization data and/oraudio signals for retransmission and/or data signals for retransmission.Optionally, multiple signals may be sent over a single pair of wires bytime domain multiplexing TDM or frequency domain multiplexing FDM orother methods.

Synchronized Retransmission

FIG. 5 illustrates schematically an exemplary embodiment 500 of a methodof synchronized retransmission by multiple transmitters. Multipletransmitters may be used, for example, to achieve reliable radiocoverage of areas separated by obstacles that cause radio attenuation.Sometimes the coverage zones of the transmitters will overlap.Broadcasting from two transmitters on the same frequency can lead toserious reception problems in the overlap areas. Optionally, duringretransmission of a signal, multiple transmitters may be synchronized.In some cases, synchronization may improve reception in overlap areas.

In some embodiments, synchronization data may be sent 530 b to end unitsover the preexisting wired network and/or synchronization data may besent 530 a via another channel (for example wirelessly). Synchronizationdata may include, for example, data on timing, phase, frequency and/ormodulation sensitivity. Multiple transmitters may retransmit 524coherent and/or synchronized signals based on the synchronization data.

Supplying Power to End Units Over the Preexisting Network

Under emergency conditions, power failures may occur. Laws in somejurisdictions require emergency communications systems to includeblackout resistant power supplies. Laws may further require that powersupplies be shielded or fire resistant. Installation or modification ofemergency wiring may entail high costs.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method of supplying power to end unitsover a preexisting emergency network. Installing the exemplary powersupply system may require little or no new wiring. Power may be suppliedto one or more wire pairs at the hub or elsewhere along the network.Power from the network may be used directly by an end unit and/or tocharge a battery.

In the example of FIG. 6, power may be supplied 665 at the central hub.The power may come from the municipal power supply. Additionally oralternatively, a local generator may supply emergency power. Optionallypower may be supplied as an alternating current and an end unit mayinclude a rectifier. Alternatively or additionally, power may besupplied over the network as direct current.

An end unit may include an optional integral battery. Optionally,multiple units may function simultaneous using a small power supply. Thepower supply may not be powerful enough to run all of the unitssimultaneously. The power supply may slowly recharge 666 the batteries.Optionally, batteries may allow continuous operation in the event ofpower outages and/or even long-term black outs.

Details of an Exemplary Embodiment of an End Unit

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an end unit742. Exemplary end unit 742 is a full repeater unit including both awireless receiver 760 and a wireless transmitter 761. Communication toand from a network controller is over a pair of wires 748 from apreexisting wired network. Alternatively or additionally, an end unitmay include only a receiver or only a transmitter.

In some embodiments, power may be supplied to an end unit via thepreexisting wired network. For example, in exemplary end unit 742, DCpower is supplied over wires 748 and harvested by a battery charger 770to charge batteries for powering end unit 742.

Coded signals are sent and received over wires 748 via an optionalanalogue front end AFE 752. In some embodiments, AFE 752 may include amodem.

Optionally, radio frequency signals may be transferred between the AFE752 and receiver 760 and/or transmitter 761 over a carrier operatedrelay 772. An optional CW ID 776 sends identification signals accordingto legal standards. An optional ID timer 774 is used to ensure that IDsignals are sent within the maximum time interval.

In some embodiments, incoming and outgoing signals may be sorted by aduplexer 778, which may be connected to an antenna 780 for communicationwith wireless transceivers.

Details of an Exemplary Embodiment of a Communication Hub

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a communicationhub for controlling a radio repeater system over an existing wiredemergency communication network.

In some embodiments, pairs of wires from the preexisting wired emergencynetwork may be connected to respective AFE's 852 a-c. Optionally, AFE's852 a-c pass messages back and forth with a communication controller854. Optionally a generator 870 supplies power to controller 854 and auser interface 856. In some embodiments, power supply 870 may also powerend units via wires of the preexisting network. Optionally, inductors871 a,b smooth the power output of generator 870 (for example when thepower is supplied as direct current DC).

An Exemplary Method of Concurrent Simplex Repeating

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of concurrentsimplex repeating. In some cases, first responders may employ directmode simplex communications. Optionally, multiple wireless receivers maybe used to supply direct mode simplex coverage to various locations inan area having obstacles to radio communication. In some embodiments,the coverage areas of the receivers may overlap. A selected version frommultiple versions of a received signal may, for example, beretransmitted back into the coverage area on the same simplex band asthe source signal and concurrent to the source signal.

In some cases, multiple receivers receiving 910 a single direct modesignal on a simplex band may relay multiple versions of the signal to anetwork controller. Optionally the receivers will also forward telemetrydata to the controller. Optionally, the controller may identify 914 thatit has received multiple versions of a single signal. Optionally, thecontroller may select 922 a version of the signal and retransmit 924 iton the simplex band. Optionally, retransmitting 924, may occur while theportable transceiver is still transmitting the original signal on thesimplex band. Optionally, a retransmitted signal may preserve and/ormodify the identification and/or header and/or footer data of theoriginal signal.

Exemplary Methods for Reducing Interference

In some embodiments, a repeated direct mode signal may interfere with aconcurrently transmitted source signal. Another problem that maysometimes occur when a repeater is receiving and transmitting on thesame simplex channel is positive feedback; a repeater may end uprepeating the retransmitted signal or associated noise. Optionally, amethod of repeating a direct mode signal on a simplex band may includestrategies to reduce interference and/or positive feedback.

In some embodiments, signal coloring may be used to reduce positivefeedback. For example, before retransmitting a signal, a coloring may beadded 1084. For example, a side tone and/or subcarrier coloring may beused. Optionally, a source signal from a portable transceiver may haveno coloring. Before retransmitting a signal, the signal may be checked1082 for coloring. Lack of coloring may indicate an original signal toretransmit 924. Coloring may indicate that the signal is a previouslyretransmitted signal and that retransmission should be inhibited 1086 inorder to avoid feedback.

Optionally, coloring may include a code to identify a transmitter and/orlocation. In some embodiments, a subcarrier signal and/or a side tonemay be used to indicate that a signal should be retransmitted in aparticularly part of the network. For example, in a case where sometransmitters lack direct connection to the controller, a signal may beretransmitted in one portion of the network with, for example, acharacteristic side tone which indicates that the retransmitted signalshould not be retransmitted again in the same section of the network,but should be retransmitted in another part of the network.

In some embodiments, a power level of retransmission 1024 may beestablished 1090 to avoid interference. Typically, the power ofretransmission will be less than the power of a typical portabletransceiver using the system. For example, if a typically portabletransceiver transmits at of power of 5 W, then the retransmission powermay be established 1090 as less than 0.1 W or even less than 0.01 W.Alternatively and/or additionally, the chosen retransmitting power mayoptionally range between 5 and 50 Db less that the source signal.

In some embodiments, a controller may be programmed to establish 1090 apower level of retransmission depending on the insulation 1088 between anetwork transmitter and a network receiver. For example, when there islittle insulation 1088 between a transmitter and the selected receiverof the source signal, the power of retransmission may be reduced.Insulation between a receiver and a transmitter may be due to distance(increasing distance may increase insulation) and/or due to interviewingobstacles and/or engineered. An example of engineered insulationincludes having a directional antenna directed away from the receiver.

Examples of Simplex Repeater Networks—Simple System Coaxial Antennas

In some embodiments of a simplex repeater network, interference of asource signal by a retransmitted signal may be reduced by positioning ofantennas. For example, antennas may be positioned such that attenuationbetween a source signal and a network receiver is less than attenuationbetween the receiver and the retransmission antenna.

For example in an embodiment 1100 of FIG. 11, two leaky coaxial cablesmay be strung along the length of a tunnel to serve as a retransmissionantenna 1180 a and a receive antenna 1180 b. In the example ofembodiment 1100, a portable transceiver located anywhere in the domainis within a few tens of meters of both retransmission antenna 1180 a andreceive antenna 1180 b. Optionally, feedback and interference betweenthe retransmitted signal and the source signal may be reduced byinsulating retransmission antenna 1180 a from receiving antenna 1180 b.For example, receive antenna 1180 b may be on the opposite side of atunnel from retransmission antenna 1180 a. The attenuation of the signalbetween the two antennas may be, for example, between 5 and 50 decibels.Alternatively or additionally, the attenuation may be between 30 and 150decibels.

In some embodiments, the domain may be more complex than embodiment1100. For example, the domain may include a system of tunnels or mines.Optionally reception and/or retransmission antennas may be spreadthrough the domain. For example, multiple antennas may be located invarious locations around the domain. For example, multiple leaky coaxialcables may be connected by junctions and strung throughout the domain.

Optionally, almost all of the domain may be within a few tens of metersof the antenna. A retransmitted signal may reach most of the domain withlittle attenuation. In the example of embodiment 1100, even a low powerretransmitted signal reaches the majority of the domain.

In the example of embodiment 1100, a portable direct mode 1162transceiver is transmitting at 5 W power. The signal may optionally bepicked up on antenna 1180 b by receivers 1160 a, 1160 b and 1160 c. Inthe example, receiver 1160 b is connected to antenna 1180 b closest totransceiver 1162.

In embodiment 1100, a voter 1154 selects the signal of receiver 1160 band sends it to transmitter 1161. Optionally, a voter (for examplevoters 1154 and 1254) may be embodied as a separate element and/or maybe embodied within a network controller via hardware and/or software.

In some embodiments, a single transmitter 1161 retransmits the selectedsignal all along the tunnel by injecting the signal at various pointsalong antenna 1180 a. The power of the retransmission is low, forexample 0.010 W. On the one hand, the power is strong enough to bepicked up by transceivers close to antenna 1180 a throughout the tunnel.On the other hand, the retransmitted signal is much weaker than thesource signal at the selected receiver 1160 b. According to the captureeffect, the weak retransmitted signal will cause minimal interference tothe strong source signal in the vicinity of the selected receiver 1160b. In parts of the tunnel far from the source transceiver, the sourcesignal may be strongly attenuated. The attenuated signal may notinterfere with reception of the retransmitted signal. Voter 1154 isconfigured to inhibit retransmission of signals having power less than0.010 watts.

Examples of Simplex Repeater Networks—System with Signal Coloring

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustration of another exemplary embodiment1200 of a simplex repeater network. In embodiment 1200 positive feedbackof retransmitted signals is reduced by coloring a retransmitted signaland inhibiting further retransmission the colored signal.

Embodiment 1200 is similar to embodiment 1100. In contrast to embodiment1100, exemplary embodiment 1200 does not use a coaxial cable as atransmit antenna. Embodiment 1200 includes three retransmit antennas1280 a, 1280 b and 1280 c connected to a single transmitter 1161.Exemplary embodiment 1200 does not use a coaxial cable as a receiverantenna but rather separate receive antennas 1280 d, 1280 e and 1280 feach connected to a respective receiver 1160 a-c.

Embodiment 1200 includes a coloring circuit 1292. Circuit 1292 adds acoded side band tone to retransmitted signals.

Voter 1254 of exemplary embodiment 1200 differs from voter 1154 at leastin that voter 1254 is configured to detect a coloring of a signal. Whenvoter 1254 detects a colored side band with the coded coloring producedby circuit 1292 in a signal, voter 1254 inhibits retransmission of thatsignal.

Example of a Simplex Radio Repeater Systems Using a Preexisting WiredNetwork

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary embodiment 1300of a simplex radio repeater system communicating over an existing wiredemergency network.

Exemplary embodiment 1300 includes a simplex repeater network withreceivers similar to those of embodiment 1100 built into end units 1342a, 1342 b and 1342 c. In exemplary embodiment 1300, end units 1342 a-ccommunicate with a voter 1254 (similar to the voter of embodiment 1200)via pairs of twisted wires, adapters and a hub interface 1352 similar toembodiment 300.

Exemplary embodiment 1300 includes three transmitters, transmitting onthe same simplex band as direct mode portable transceiver 1162.Optionally, unlike embodiments 1100 and 1200, embodiment 1300 includesthree separate transmitters installed in end units 1342 d, 1342 e and1342 f. Retransmissions on receivers 1342 d-f are synchronized similarlyto embodiments 400 and 500. A network controller may include hardwareand/or software 1394 to administer synchronization.

In the example of FIG. 14, portable transceiver 1162 transmits a sourcesignal at a power of 5 W. The source signal is picked up by thereceivers of end units 1342 b and 1342 c. For example, Voter 1254selects the version of end unit 1342 c. Transmitter 1342 d, which is farfrom the selected receiver 1342 c, retransmits the coloredretransmission signal at 0.20 W. In the example, a network controller isprogrammed to inhibit retransmission near the source signal. Forexample, the transmitters of end units 1342 e,f, which are close toselected receiver 1342 c, both transmit the colored retransmissionsignal at a reduced power of 0.10 W. Alternatively or additionally, atransmitter in the vicinity of a source signal may be prevented fromretransmitting the signal altogether.

In exemplary embodiment 1300, transmitters and receivers are spaced onseparate floors of building 1366. The optional ceiling/floor separationbetween receivers and transmitters increases the attenuation between thenetwork transmitters and receivers. Increased attenuation may reduceproblems of interference between the retransmitted signal and theoriginal signal of portable transceiver 1162. Increased attenuation mayalso reduce the problem of feedback. Alternatively or additionally, anetwork transmitter could be supplied with an antenna spread around oneor more floors of the building (for example a coaxial cable runningaround the floor). The network transmitter may then transmit at a lowerpower. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments networkreceivers and transmitter may both be on a single floor. Optionally abarrier may be located between them and/or an engineered source ofsignal attenuation.

In some embodiments, one or more floors of a building may be without anend unit.

In some embodiments, a more precise estimate may be made of the locationof a portable transceiver for example by triangulation. Optionally, theestimated location of troops may be made available to a dispatcherand/or other personnel. This information may be useful for logisticalreasons and/or for more precise adjusting of retransmission signals toavoid interference with the source signal and/or for search and rescuemissions.

Additional Features of Some Embodiments

Some embodiments of a radio repeater system may include locationestimation. For example, voting results may be used to evaluate thelocation of a transmitter in the domain of the system. Optionally,triangulation may be employed in the location estimation.

In some embodiments, additional redundant connections may exist betweenelements of a radio repeater network. For example, in addition toconnections via a preexisting wired emergency communication network, anend unit may also be capable of communicating with a network controllerover another preexisting medium; for example a power grid (power lines),a phone line, a cable TV line and/or a satellite network (for example aCable TV network), and/or intercom lines. Additionally or alternatively,an end unit may be capable of communicating with a network controllerover an additional dedicated channel; for example a dedicated wirelessnetwork and/or a dedicated cable. Optionally, redundant communicationchannels may prevent system failure in case of failure of a single part.

Some embodiments may include wireless connections between elements of aradio repeater network. A wireless connection may include for example acellular network, a dedicated MESH configuration, and/or other existingwireless networks such as WIMAX and/or WWI.

In some embodiments, a wireless radio network may integrate voice anddata communications. For example, when a commander receives a messagefrom a particular emergency responder, he may also receive further data.For example, further data may include a unique ID of the responder, thelocation of the responder (the location may be supplied for example byan inertial system and/or a GPS device associated with the responderand/or via triangulation), and/or sensor data such as oxygen level,pulse, environmental conditions etc.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may be integrated withother systems. For example, the radio repeater system may be integratedwith a fire detection system, which detects the location of, forexample, smoke and/or heat. Optionally, the radio repeater system maytransmit information from the other system to emergency personnel inreal time. For example, sensor information may be passed to firefightersin the building, to firefighters in the vicinity of the sensor and/or toa remote dispatcher. The information may be presented, for example, inaudio and/or visual format. Alternatively or additionally, a radiorepeater network may be integrated with a public address system. Forexample, a firefighter and or a commander may use a portable radiotransceiver to make announcements over a public address system. In someembodiments, integration may enable emergency personnel to use standardequipment and/or procedures to access existing proprietary resources atthe site.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater system may include video capacity.For example, wireless video signals from a video camera mounted onfirefighter's helmet may be relayed by the end unit selected by votingwhen receiving an audio signal from a handset of the same firefighter.Optionally video images may be displayed to a commander on requestand/or automatically for example when receiving a call from thefirefighter.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater network may support trunking, forexample smartnet, smart zone, P25, TETRA, and/or TETRAPOL. Optionally,the radio repeater system may monitor and decoding a trunking controlchannel in real time. Optionally the radio repeater network may includea scanner to scan the control channel. For example, the control channeldata may be used to determine which crew member is transmitting and/orwhat kind of call needs to be executed (for example, grouping, dispatch,private call, telephone interconnect call, direct mode operation,repeating mode). Optionally, based on the source of a call and/or theformat and/or the destination of the call, the radio repeater system mayset interoperability routes. Optionally, a call may be routed to variousunits on different frequencies. Optionally, a call may be routed throughan external switching system, for example a remote base station.Optionally the trunked signal may be transmitted to units outside of thedomain of the radio repeating system and/or a remote base station mayroute transmissions through the radio repeater network to units in thedomain of the radio repeater network.

Some embodiments of a radio repeater system may include interoperabilityfunctionality. For example, the system may facilitate communicationbetween different forces using different frequencies and/or differenttechnologies (for example simplex, repeating, trunking, duplex).Optionally, interconnections may be according to logic defined inadvance and/or by intervention of a commander (for example an operatorcontrolling the communication hub). Optionally, interconnections mayinclude connection between a portable transceiver and a landline, acellular phone, Internet, a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) networkand/or another network.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater network may include functions thatcan be accessed using a keypad of a portable radio transceiver.Optionally access to predefined functions may be by Dual-tonemulti-frequency signaling (DTMF). For example, a particular tonecombination may be used to link to a particular person or group. Forexample, another tone combination may be used to broadcast a distresssignal etc.

In some embodiments, a radio repeater network may be integrated to othernetworks. For example, an emergency responder may use the radio repeaternetwork to send an alert to mobile phones of local residents, forexample by short messaging (SMS) or by direct cell broadcast CB.

Caveats

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant technologies will be developed and the scopeof the terms is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless emergency band communication repeatersystem for repeating a signal from a first portable transceiver to asecond portable transceiver in a building comprising: a plurality of endunits located on a plurality of floors of the building; at least two ofsaid plurality of end units including a respective antenna operative toreceive the signal transmitted by the first portable transceiver in afirst wireless emergency audio band and a front end operative totransfer a respective version of said signal and telemetry data aboutsaid respective version, and a communication hub including a networkconnection to each of said plurality of end units, a controllercommunicating over said network connection for receiving at least two ofsaid respective versions of said signal including at least onerespective version from each of said plurality of end units, saidcontroller operative to process said at least two respective versionsand said respective telemetry data to output a single version of saidsignal, and a first network transmitter operative for receiving saidsingle version from said controller and retransmitting said singleversion of said signal wirelessly to the second portable wirelesstransceiver.
 2. The wireless emergency band communication repeatersystem of claim 1, wherein said network connection includes a fireresistant wire connecting at least one end unit of said plurality of endunits to said communication hub and wherein at least one said respectiveversion is transmitted to said communication hub over said fireresistant wire.
 3. The wireless emergency band communication repeatersystem of claim 2, further comprising: a power source supplying powerover said fire resistant wire, and said at least one end unit forreceiving power from said power source and communicating with said hubover said fire resistant wire.
 4. The wireless emergency bandcommunication repeater system of claim 2, wherein said first networktransmitter and at least one said respective antenna communicate withsaid controller over said fire resistant wire.
 5. The wireless emergencyband communication repeater system of claim 1, wherein said networkconnection includes a further wireless connection between at least oneend unit of said plurality of end units to said communication hub andwherein at least one said respective version is transmitted to saidcommunication hub over said further wireless connection.
 6. The wirelessemergency band communication repeater system of claim 1, wherein saidcontroller is further configured for determining a location of saidfirst portable transceiver within the building.
 7. The wirelessemergency band communication repeater system of claim 6, wherein said atleast two end units are on a single floor of said building and whereinsaid determining includes determining a portion of said floor whereinsaid portable transmitter is located.
 8. The wireless emergency bandcommunication repeater system of claim 6, wherein said at least two endunits are operative to collect the telemetry data and communicate saidtelemetry data to said controller over said network connection, saidcontroller operative to analyze said telemetry data to determine saidlocation.
 9. The wireless emergency band communication repeater systemof claim 1, further comprising: a second network transmitter receivingsaid single version from said controller and retransmitting said singleversion of said signal synchronized with said first network transmitter.10. The wireless emergency band communication repeater system of claim1, wherein each said respective antenna is designed to receive at leastone wireless signal from the group consisting of a conventional moderadio signal, video signal, a Wi-Fi signal, a wireless local areanetwork signal, a trunked mode signal, a P25 standard signal, a TETRAstandard signal, a digital signal and a Mayday signal.
 11. The wirelessemergency band communication repeater system of claim 1, where saidcontroller is configured for identifying said respective versions ofsaid signal from data received from multiple antennas.
 12. The system ofclaim 1 wherein said telemetry data includes a value for at least oneparameter selected from the group consisting of signal level, receivedsignal strength indicator (RSSI), distortion, receiver limited voltage,signal to noise ratio (SNR), signal to noise and distortion (SINAD)ratio, and signal delay.
 13. The wireless emergency band communicationrepeater system of claim 1, wherein, said retransmitting is over atleast one band selected from said emergency audio band and a differentemergency audio band.
 14. A method of repeating an emergency wirelesscommunication signal sent from a first portable transceiver to a secondportable transceiver in a building comprising: receiving a signaltransmitted by the first portable transceiver in an emergency audio bandwith a plurality of antennas; relaying from each of said plurality ofantennas a respective version of said signal and telemetry data aboutsaid respective version of said signal to a controller over a networkconnection; recognizing by said controller a plurality of versions ofsaid signal, said plurality of versions including each said respectiveversion; processing, by said controller, said plurality of versions andsaid telemetry data to output a single version of the signal; relayingsaid single version and synchronization data to at least twotransmitters; retransmitting over said at least two transmitters saidsingle version of said signal output from said controller over anemergency wireless frequency band to at least one portable receiverinside said building; and synchronizing said retransmitting over said atleast two transmitters.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said networkconnection includes at least one fire resistant wire connecting saidcontroller to a at least one of said plurality of antennas, the methodfurther comprising: transmitting at least one said respective version tosaid controller over said fire resistant wire.
 16. The method of claim14, wherein said network connection includes at least one wirelessconnection, the method further comprising: transmitting at least onesaid respective version to said controller over said wirelessconnection.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: identifyingat least one transmitter in proximity to a portable receiver, andwherein said retransmitting is to said portable receiver and saidretransmitting is over said at least one transmitter only.
 18. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said retransmitting preserves a senderidentifier.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising: estimating alocation of a source of said signal.